Under 65 Disabled Medicare

There are many questions as regards Medicare, let alone if you are disabled and under 65. The steps of the things you need to do or the things you know may not be as clear as you would like it. If you do not register everything in a government-provided window, you could be punished. The penalty will cost you more money than you expected.

Someone who is eligible for SS disability income has a two-year waiting period before being eligible for Medicare A and B. This could be a long wait if you need insurance.

If you were gainfully employed, you would be covered by your employer. If you were required to take leave due to the disability, COBRA will allow you to extend the coverage of your previous employer. The COBRA option allows you to pay for health insurance for up to 18 months, and in some cases you can get 24 or 36 months depending on the situation. This will give you some time to move on to Medicare Disability.

If you cannot afford the premiums because of the cash flow of COBRA, you may qualify for Medicaid. It is a health program available from the state. They have their own requirements to qualify. Refer to your state policies to apply. Then your health care will be a nominal cost to you, and will be paid by the state.

Once you’ve met your two-year disability waiting period to be eligible for Medicare coverage, you’ll have a window to do other things to remain compliant. The government requires coverage of Part D; D is for drugs. Original Medicare does not provide this except for inpatient medication. They will give you a window of about three to four months to buy a part D. Typically, it is the month of the beginning of Part B (delivered by Original Medicare) and then 90 days after that month. If you do not sign up for a Part D or equivalent during this period, you will be penalized when you eventually sign up for it. Medicare requires this so that more people can pay to control the cost of all.

If your state insurer is required to provide Medicare Supplemental insurance for people under 65 with disabilities, then you can apply without underwriting during the same period. You will find that the premium is much higher for people under the age of 65 than if you were 65 or older. Part of this is that you are early on Medicare because you have a disability, it means that you have more entitlements. Either way, you have the option to apply for a plan that will sign and use the lower rates without being checked for health.

If you can continue to work and maintain insurance through the workplace, Medicare A and B will not change. You can keep this coverage if you so wish. You will need to provide proof of eligible coverage, or if you are applying for Part D or qualifying coverage in the future, if you have ever lost this health insurance. Keep all receipts as needed.